Former NFL star’s brother arrested for arson after fiery post office crash
Richard Tillman, the brother of former NFL star and deceased Army Ranger Pat Tillman, was arrested after allegedly crashing into a post office and sparking a fire.
Richard Tillman, 44, was booked into Santa Clara County Jail early Sunday morning.
“The person in police custody is named Richard Tillman, who is reported to be the brother of the late NFL player and US Army soldier Patrick Tillman,” the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) told “Newsweek” in a statement on Monday.
Federal investigators told ABC News they are aware of and investigating spray-painted words found on the post office building and claims that the driver live-streamed driving the car into the building.
“Shortly after 3 a.m. the San Jose Fire and Police Departments responded to reports of a vehicle on fire in the box lobby area at the Almaden Valley Station Post Office. The fire was extinguished with no injuries,” the U.S. Postal Inspection Service said in a statement.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) inspector Matthew Norfleet told ABC 7 that, “Postal inspectors are investigating as an intentional act, it will be determined in a court of law if it was.”
Richard Tillman is being held without bond and is due to appear in court Wednesday.
Pat Tillman was an American hero who left the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals to join the Army after the attacks on Sept. 11 attacks. He was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in May 2004 at the age of 27.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.
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